Selecting the Perfect Concrete Mix for Your St. Louis Project

Understanding Basic Concrete Components

Before mixing specific combinations of cement, sand, aravel, and water, and admixtures, it’s helpful to understand the basic ingredients and their role in creating the ultimate characteristics of your final product: the concrete itself.

• Cement – Binds the aggregate together
• Aggregate (sand & gravel) – The body of the concrete
• Water – Aids in hydration of cement
• Admixtures (Optional additives which create special properties) – Aid in the creation of a workable mix, increase setting times, etc.

With the correct amount of these elements and the proper type of element, the desired strength, workability, and durability are achieved.

Local Conditions Affecting Choice of Concrete Mixes

To choose a suitable concrete mix for St. Louis construction, there are several factors to consider:

• Temperature Fluctuations
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles
• Humidity in Summer Months
• Clay-Rich Soils
• Flooding in Various Areas of St. Louis

Based on the above, here are five of the most commonly utilized mixes for various St. Louis area construction projects:

Residential Driveway Mix

A driveway is subject to extreme temperatures as well as freezing and thawing, and has a potential for being flooded in certain areas of St. Louis. Therefore, the best mix would have:

• Strength: 4000 psi
• Slump: 4″
• Entrained Air Content: 6% for Freeze-Thaw Resistance
• Reinforced Fiber: recommended for additional structural integrity

This combination will ensure the driveway has the required durability to withstand extreme cold and heat, while also providing sufficient structural integrity.

Patio/Walkway Mix

The patio/walkway mix is used primarily for outside living spaces and will remain aesthetically pleasing throughout the year:

• Strength: 3500-4000 psi
• Slump: 4″-5″ for easier finishing
• Entrained Air Content: 6%
• Additive Colors: optional for decorative purposes

This mix is suitable for use in both Kirkwood patio construction and Tower Grove walkway construction. It will provide adequate strength and workability for the majority of St. Louis area patio and walkway applications.

Foundation Wall Mix

St. Louis is known for expansive clay soils that will cause walls to move. The foundation wall mix will help prevent this movement by:

• Strength: 4500-5000 psi
• Slump: 5″
• Water Reducing Admixture: for better workability and strength
• Water Proofing Admixture: especially beneficial in flood-prone areas along the Mississippi River in St. Charles and South County.

This extremely high-strength mixture is essential for homes built on difficult soils in St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Commercial Flooring Mix

The commercial flooring mix is suitable for use in St. Louis area business applications due to its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic:

• Strength: 4000-5000 psi
• Slump: 4″
• Super Plasticizer: allows for improved flowability without increasing the amount of water
• Silica Fume: provides increased density and strength.

This mix is ideal for use in retail spaces such as the Delmar Loop and warehouse facilities in Earth City, providing a strong, smooth finish.

Stamped Concrete Mix

The stamped concrete mix is an attractive and functional way to create an impressive outside living space:

• Strength: 4000 psi
• Slump: 4″
• Entrained Air Content: 6%
• Hardener Color: for bold, long-lasting color
• Plasticizer: helps improve workability when stamping.

Ideal for creating a variety of impressive pool decks in Ladue or patios in the Central West End.

Why We Use Professional Mix Design

Although the information provided above is intended to serve as a guide, every project is unique. Many different variables can affect the optimal mix, including site conditions, design requirements, and local building codes. At St. Louis Concrete Works, we custom mix each project using our own in-house mix design team.

Our process includes:

• Evaluation of site conditions
• Testing of soils if required
• Analysis of project-specific requirements
• Collaboration with our in-house mix designers
• Quality Control Testing

Trust the Professionals

Selecting the correct concrete mix is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring the success of your project and its longevity. While the temptation may exist to go “DIY”, choosing the right concrete mix will ultimately require professional expertise to ensure that your mix is specifically suited to your project’s needs and those of the St. Louis region.

At St. Louis Concrete Works, we have decades of local experience behind every project we undertake. Whether it is a residential patio in Webster Groves or a commercial floor in Downtown, we know what type of concrete mix to select and work with to meet your needs.

Are you ready to begin working on your concrete project with a mix that has been designed to succeed in St. Louis? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we will create something that will endure the test of time in our wonderful Gateway City.

Obtain Professional Concrete Mix Guidance

In St. Louis, selecting the appropriate concrete mix is not merely about achieving a specified strength; it is about developing structures and surfaces that add to our city’s beauty and can withstand the rigors of the weather and time.